Cupressus × leylandii 'Gold Rider' is a relatively slow-growing, upright, tree form of Leyland cypress with very dense branching and brilliant golden foliage. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 7.5 feet (2 m) tall and 4 feet (1.3 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 6 to 8 inches (15 - 20 cm).
This cultivar originated as a seedling selection in the mid-1980s by H.J. van de Laar Nursery, Boskoop, The Netherlands.